How big an issue is cargo security?

Firstly, unsecured cargo isn’t just a risk to the customer, it’s a risk to other road users. Government research found that in one year alone, there were 22,000 road collisions in England due to objects falling from vehicles.

Aside from the safety risks, there is also obviously the possibility of severe financial losses should cargo be damaged or broken en route. Depending on the goods being transported, that could amount well into the thousands of pounds.

But that doesn’t have to be the case, should each load be carefully planned and managed.

Here are five of our top tips:

1 – Communication

Before any vehicle is loaded and sent out on the road, there needs to be a thorough understanding of the load. This isn’t just something between our agents and clients, but our drivers too.

Each job needs to be planned effectively, with all precautions and considerations made in order to deliver the service our clients expect.

2 – Choosing the right vehicle

We have an extensive fleet of vehicles at Infinity Logistics for a reason. Not every van, flatbed or articulated lorry is created equally – with each being a better fit over the others for certain jobs.

Things that need to be considered include space, centre of gravity and shock absorption – particularly in the case of heavier loads.

3 – Balance the weight of the load

As we’ve just touched on, the centre of gravity is very important when it comes to a safe and smooth delivery. That’s why we put careful consideration to where in the vehicle we place the load.

That includes placing more weight towards the vehicle’s steering axle, and ensuring items are stacked with the heaviest items at the bottom to prevent them from falling and causing damage.

4 – Choose the right loading method

There are multiple loading techniques used in the industry to maximise efficiency and increase cargo security. The right one to choose is dependent on what it is your transporting.

Force-fit loading uses lashing straps to secure palettes to the trailer floor, while form-fit loading sees space maximised to eradicate any gaps between items, negating the need for lashing straps.

There are pros and cons to each method – and the choice between the two should be made by a specialist like those we have in the team here at Infinity Logistics.

5 – Paperwork

We can’t stress enough the importance of paperwork. For all the good work we do in maximising efficiency when it comes to loading our vehicles, this can quickly become undone if paperwork isn’t up to standard.

It is vital that we know the total mass of the load, that any dangerous goods are correctly classified and that all paperwork is fully signed and completed.

Remember, a safe load makes for a successful delivery.

If your business is due to receive a load and you have concerns over its safety, the Infinity Logistics team are here to help.

As the industry leaders in freight forwarding, it’s our job to ensure your goods arrive in the condition you expect as a customer.

Contact us today to learn more.